Quills cover a considerably large portion of the body of hedgehogs. It is a process where a large number of quills come loose during the shedding period that normally takes place while hedgehogs are still babies and juveniles.

The first quilling generally takes place when they’re about two months old at which time fine baby quills are shed off to make way for thicker and longer quills to grow. When hedgehogs are about 4 months old, the second quilling takes place. Compared to the first quilling process, this second shedding is quite uncomfortable to the hedgehog because new quills have to push through the holes of the old quills. A considerable number of larger quills grow during this process and there may be pain and discomfort when there are several of them that push through the old holes at a single time. Hedgehogs continue to lose quills even when they’re already adults. Take note, however, that normally, a large number of quills are never shed off at the same time.

Excess shedding off of quills should be brought to the attention of your McHenry, IL veterinarian.